I love the way that old stone houses flaunt their history and quality, and this 1930 Catonsville beauty is no exception. The home’s classic proportions, period details and attentive landscaping make for some serious curb appeal. Inside the charm continues: original pocket doors, lovely hardwood floors and built-ins galore. But what about that kitchen? Is it “rustic dream” or “tacky theme”? And the bathrooms? Do those fake brass accents (never a great choice) need to go? The good news is it’s well-priced for such a large house. Maybe the new owners will have some extra change to play with? Visualize: Researching period architecture at the local library, this house is worth it.

5017 Wetheredsville Road, Dickeyville

$299,000

4br/4 ba

Despite the unfortunate name, I’m kind of crushing on Dickeyville these days. Described in a recent Baltimore Fishbowl Hot House column, the neighborhood is a little known and ridiculously charming historic village…inside the beltway. Fascinating. The “charming” thing is well covered here: the porch, the shutters, the brick chimney are all so darling, the old “red front door” trick seems almost gratuitous. Adding to the home’s appeal is its livable layout; it’s hard to beat four bedrooms and four baths. All this comes with views of the Gwynns Falls Park for less than $300,000? Go look. This might just be an urban legend. Visualize: Working on your MICA continuing studies homework on that back patio.

1830 semi-detached, stone colonial, updated and well maintained, overlooking the Gwynns Falls in Dickeyville. Two thousand sq. ft. includes three bedrooms, two and a half baths, two-car garage with loft: $300,000 (recently reduced from $350,000)

What: Originally the village school house, this is one of several houses currently for sale (see photos) in Dickeyville, a historic neighborhood tucked away in northwest Baltimore with the storybook feel of a small 19th century village.

At 5002 Weatheredsville Road, a narrow brick path leads through the picket fence and into a large, bright living room with a wood-burning fireplace. Dining room, laundry room and a country-style kitchen are also on the main floor. French doors in the kitchen open to a brick patio surrounded by trees — you can hear and see the trickling of the falls. Upstairs are three nice bedrooms with large closets. Period details include beamed ceilings, crown moldings and wood floors. Central air, too.

Dickeyville is one of Baltimore’s great hidden neighborhoods, a real trip back in time. Baltimore author Laura Lippman grew up here. It is close-knit and friendly community, situated at the beginning of lovely Leakin Park with its 15 miles of hiking and biking trails. There is no through traffic, so it’s quiet and safe, with good ethnic diversity and an arts and crafts sensibility. People who live here love it, and many have been here a long time. The community association is strong and active.

Where: Inside the beltway, near the Baltimore County line in Northwest Baltimore City, close to the Forest Park municipal golf course ($30 to play). Take Northern Parkway west, past the Pimlico Racetrack to Wabash Avenue. Take a left on Wabash and go about a half mile to Hillside. Take a right on Hillside, go 1.5 miles, then turn right onto W. Forest Park Avenue. After a half-mile, turn a sharp left onto Wetheredsville Rd. Dickeyville is about 15 minutes from Mt. Washington, much closer to Security Boulevard and Woodlawn.

Why: Park-like setting, absolutely unique, charm in buckets — visitors will go nuts. Walk out the door to access 15 miles of trails. Famous for musical 4th of July and other parties. Houses are well-priced.

Why not: Here’s the problem. Dickeyville is basically in Forest Park, a middle class Baltimore city neighborhood with pockets of urban decay and almost no decent retail — like a grocery store. There is a nice nursery school here, but public schools are poor. Cute and safe as Dickeyville is, sadly, you have to leave Dickeyville to shop, eat and work. Closest shopping is Security Boulevard.

Who: Tom Sawyer and Becky, now working at the Social Security Administration. Fans of Historic Williamsburg. Pottery major at MICA.

NB: You could open a coffee shop here (check zoning) and be a true small town hero. Friends at MICA could make an indie movie about it.